biopsychs

[biopsychs]

• late august, last days of summer, new semester looming in the distance…. I can feel the autumn in the air.

[biopsychs]

no one tells you how much of life takes practice. not just writing, painting, running, singing, etc, but practicing how to make friends. how to make the right ones. getting practiced at how to be a good friend, a good sibling, a good person. practice identifying when people haven’t earned that. learning to recognize your right to rage and, eventually, how to offer mercy. so much of life is muscle memory, and i’ve begun to realize there are so many more parts of ourselves to flex and stretch and strengthen than those we’re taught in anatomy lessons

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Boundaries are how you keep your cup full

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the idea that meds/therapy can’t fix problems caused by situational/societal issues can coexist with the idea that meds and therapy can be very helpful for many people and shouldn’t be demonized or presented as useless for risk of scaring people away that might really benefit

#mental health

[biopsychs]

be proud of yourself for

the progress nobody sees

feeling all of your emotions (and learning how to make peace with them + give them space)

standing up for yourself even though you lost people because of it

making time for yourself

doing better

saying no to people

letting go of people for your own sake

no longer allowing others to decide when you can and when you can’t be proud of yourself

[biopsychs]

I have two moods.

1. Constant panic and worryng about every little detail

2. It is what it is

[biopsychs]

No, taking that shower, eating that meal, cleaning your space, going on that walk or having that conversation won't cure you, but there's a good chance it'll make you less miserable in the moment - and isn't that a fine goal by itself?

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take the time to appreciate the version of yourself that exists right now, in this moment

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shout out to me in 5 years…hope shes doing something cool i’m rooting for her

[biopsychs]

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I am very proud of you for going through this long healing path. 

You will get better.

[biopsychs]

Sometimes it takes a while, but you’ll get there. Be patient and trust yourself. <3

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you are allowed to be proud of yourself for things that might seem small to other people.

[biopsychs]

never let anyone tell u how many commas can go in a sentence, u measure that shit with ur heart

[biopsychs]

Life update since I went MIA lol

Idek how long ago, but I took a break from Tumblr (and other things in my life) because I'm dealing with anxiety and depression that have impacted my functioning/daily life. I'm in therapy, taking meds, basically trying to get help in any way that I can but things have not really improved so far. I have lots of supportive people in my life and access to mental health services, so at least I've got that going for me. I may come back to posting here occasionally/whenever I feel like it.

In spite of my struggles, I managed to graduate with my Honours Bachelor of Science in Psychology and won a small student grant to continue my study (my study was evaluating virtual cognitive testing). My supervisor was supportive of me when I needed help (I have definitely learned the importance of having a good, kind supervisor). I got to do a guest lecture on brain damage and repair for the class I was TAing, so that was cool. Also, I presented research posters at two virtual conferences.

I've been working as a research assistant this summer. My main project is a qualitative neurorehabilitation study. My other research assistant position is wrapping up soon (it was my first ever research position). We're sending a manuscript out for review and working on knowledge translation.

I am barely managing to get my work done right now, but I'm trying to make some life changes since I've been isolating myself at home nearly every day. I've applied for a couple jobs that I'm excited about and I'm looking to move out of my parent's house.

I am pretty sure I won't be applying to grad school this upcoming cycle (but I will eventually). Even though I look good on paper, I don't think I have the mental clarity or energy to apply anytime soon. The thought of not applying would've freaked me out years ago, but it just feels right and takes a huge pressure off my shoulders. My mental illnesses also squashed my love for research this past year (basically things I used to be so excited about just feel like a chore now) and I think my research interests have shifted a bit and I don't have the energy to sort through that right now.

Some fun/nice things I have done this summer: Visited a winery and brewery with friends. Cut my hair and got highlights. Threw a graduation party for myself and a couple friends since we didn't get an in-person graduation ceremony. Outdoor movie nights because one of my friends got a projector. Fostered two puppies. Started watching Criminal Minds. Tried goat yoga. Lots of after dinner trips to get gelato or ice cream for dessert. Paddle boarding on the lake.

#that's it for now #i hope you are all happy healthy and surrounded by people who love you #shit happens and life goes on and we make it through all of the worst days #.txt #updates

[biopsychs]

sometimes it’s better refrain from deep introspection and allow yourself to just be.

[biopsychs]